The Sounds of Saugus

Happy Father’s Day to Saugus dads!

  It looks like it will be a nice, mild, spring-like day for Saugus and the rest of the northeast region of Massachusetts on Sunday (June 19) as the nation celebrates Father’s Day.

  Traditionally held on the third Sunday in June, the country’s first Father’s Day was celebrated by the State of Washington on June 19, 1910. But the day dedicated to honoring fatherhood didn’t become a national holiday until 1972 – 58 years after President Woodrow Wilson declared Mother’s Day an official holiday. It was a coal mining tragedy that killed 362 men in Monongah, West Virginia, which led to a Sunday sermon on July 5, 1908, that was considered the first event honoring fathers. That was a one-time observance. Then on June 19, 1910, Washington celebrated the country’s first Father’s Day after some strong lobbying from Sonora Smart Dodd, a Spokane, Washington woman – and one of six children raised by a widower. Dodd was 16 when her mother died in childbirth. She helped her father raise her five brothers and is widely credited with leading the campaign to create a Mother’s Day equivalent holiday for dads.

  President Lyndon B. Johnson declared the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day in 1966. Then in 1972, President Richard M. Nixon created a permanent national observance of Father’s Day, designating the third Sunday of June each year as a day dedicated to dads.

  It’s clear that for nearly six decades, there wasn’t enough passion to celebrate Father’s Day on the same level of Mother’s Day.

  But Sunday will be a great time to honor dads, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, foster dads and all other men who faithfully and lovingly carry out the duties of fatherhood. So, Happy Father’s Day, Saugus dads! May your day be blessed with happy family memories.

  My dad passed away on Columbus Day weekend in 1991 after losing a battle to cancer – less than a month shy of his 61st birthday. I know that if he were still alive, I’d be visiting him this weekend. Instead, I’ll pay my respects by putting a flower on his grave.

Strawberry Festival and Plant Sale tomorrow

  The Saugus Historical Society will hold its annual strawberry festival at the Legion Hall tomorrow (Saturday, June 18) in conjunction with the Saugus Garden Club Plant Sale. Old-Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake will be served in the American Legion Hall (44 Taylor St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. along with hot dogs, chips and drinks. Shortcakes are $5.00 each and can be eaten on the premises or taken out. Hot dogs are $2; water or soda, $1 each. The Garden Club Plant Sale will be held on the Roby School lawn from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and there will be several craft vendors, including jewelry, hair products and many other items of interest. Authors Alison Simcox and Doug Heath will have signed copies of their books “Murder at Breakheart Hill Farm” and “Breakheart Reservation” for sale as well.

  The Historical Society is still looking for anyone willing to help serve shortcakes for a short time during the festival day. A few table spaces for vendors are still available also. For additional information, please contact Laura Eisener by phone (791-231-5988) or email (LDELD@shore.net).

A day that changed the world of journalism

  Today (Friday, June 17) marks the 50th anniversary of the break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. Security Guard Frank Willis called police, who arrested five burglars in what initially was dubbed as “a third rate burglary.”

  But Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein – with the support of their editors – worked to report and write the story of how the break-in was linked directly to President Nixon’s reelection campaign. Their Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation chronicled abuse of power at the highest levels of the Nixon White House, eventually leading to indictments and prison time for top administration officials and the resignation of Nixon, who faced the imminent threat of impeachment and removal from office if he didn’t resign.

  I was a journalism student preparing for my junior year at the University of Massachusetts Amherst at the time of the break-in. It was during the fall of 1972 when I landed my first daily newspaper job – part-time and weekends out of the Northampton Bureau of The Springfield Union.

  The days of the Watergate scandal and its fallout was a watershed moment for newspaper people of my generation. Indeed, it changed the trajectory of my newspaper career. I went to UMass with an interest in pursuing a career as a sportswriter.

  But upon graduation in the spring of 1974 – several months before Nixon’s Aug. 9 resignation – my goals were oriented toward a career in investigative journalism. And in the course of a career that spans about a half century, I engaged in “watchdog’ journalism at the local level at several newspapers in Florida, Massachusetts and Texas.

  The core of aspiring journalists I worked with at The Massachusetts Daily Collegian during my four years at UMass were also influenced by The Washington Post’s Watergate reporting. They shared the same passion for their future careers: to dedicate themselves to honest and fair reporting by keeping government on any level honest – to investigate alleged transgressions and to enlighten the public through fair and honest reporting.

  You don’t need to work for The Washington Post, New York Times or one of the other nationally renowned newspapers to practice extraordinary journalism. It can be done on any level if there’s a commitment from the top editors and publisher of any newspaper to safeguard the public’s right to know.

  Unfortunately – and to the detriment of today’s American society – the local newspaper no longer plays the public service role it did when I embarked on my career 50 years ago.

  I have no regrets about my journalism career. Inspired by Watergate Era journalism, I had the pleasure of working one year in Albany, N.Y., for the late Albany Times Union Editor Harry Rosenfeld, the former Metropolitan Editor at The Washington Post who oversaw the paper’s Watergate investigation. And I worked at several other papers that embraced “watchdog” journalism.

  But I’ll be the first one to admit I’m a dinosaur in a dying profession that is becoming less and less relevant in today’s society. These are challenging times for newspapers.

“A special Shout Out” for Saugus

  Shirley Bogdan offered this “Shout Out” to sum up a wonderful event that occurred last Friday (June 10) at the Saugus Senior Center:

  “A special shout Out to Senior Center Director Joanne Olsen and her staff for honoring the many volunteers with a delicious luncheon on Friday. These volunteers contribute many hours of service each week that helps to keep the center open to all seniors in town.

  “The Memory Laners kept the guests entertained with songs of the 50’s and 60s, and even got a few of the Octogenarians up on the dance floor. Thank you Joanne.”

Want to “Shout-Out” a fellow Saugonian?

  This is an opportunity for our paper’s readers to single out – in a brief mention – remarkable acts or achievements by Saugus residents or an act of kindness or a nice gesture. Just send an email (mvoge@comcast.net) with a mention in the subject line of “An Extra Shout-Out.” No more than a paragraph; anything longer might lend itself to a story and/or a photo.

Juneteenth at the Saugus Public Library

  The Saugus Public Library is pleased to present two programs about Juneteenth this month.

  On June 16: Juneteenth. What is it? Should I celebrate it? Join Sharon Hinton for an informative discussion about Juneteenth at 6:30 p.m. in the Library’s Community Room. Sharon Hinton is an Adjunct Professor at Springfield College School of Professional and Continuing Studies, teaching adults in Community Development and Social Change and working with The Peoples Academy, a Technical/Vocational institute in Boston, Mass. She is also president and founder of Black Teachers Matter. Please call the library (781-231-4168, ext. 3107) to register for this free program or fill out the form on www.sauguspubliclibrary.org.

  On June 20 (via Zoom): At 6:00 p.m. Annette Gordon-Reed presents “On Juneteenth,” the story of an American frontier defined as much by slavery as the cowboy, rancher or oilman. Annette Gordon-Reed is a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning historian, as well as a Texas native and descendant of Texas slaves. This free event is presented in the American Inspiration Author Series in partnership with the Boston Public Library, the State Library of Massachusetts and GBH Forum Network. Please register on the Saugus Public Library website (www.sauguspubliclibrary.org) to receive the Zoom link.

  Saugus Public Library, 295 Central St., Saugus, MA 01906; 781-231-4168; sauguspubliclibrary.org – facebook.com/SaugusPublicLibrary/

No winners this week

  Nobody responded last week to our weekly “Guess Who Got Sketched” contest. At least, nobody had submitted the correct identification of the person sketched by Tuesday’s (June 14) deadline. Upon further review, we concede it’s possible the readers who reviewed the sketch which appeared on page 19 in our June 10 edition were unable to benefit because most of the clues related to the sketch were omitted because of a production error. So, we will give our readers the benefit of the doubt.

  Anyone who identifies the Saugonian sketched in this week’s paper between now and Tuesday at noon qualifies to have their name put in a green Boston Red Sox hat with a chance to be selected as the winner of a $10 gift certificate, compliments of Dunkin’ in the Food Court at the Saugus Square One Mall.

Darren deserves a commendation

  The town’s Animal Control Officer, Darren McCullough, has got to feel pretty happy about the rave review he received in a letter from a Lynn man that Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano read into the record at Tuesday (June 14) night’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting.

  “Last September while walking in the Riverside Cemetery in Saugus (killing time while my daughter was at soccer practice), I was bitten by an off-leash dog,” Michael Celona wrote in an email to selectmen.

  “It was painful and I ended up having to go to the Salem Hospital ER to get checked out. I left a message for the Saugus Animal Control officer and received a call back within minutes. Darren McCullough had empathy for my situation and shared my frustration with off-leash dogs,” Celona said. “He tracked down the owner and got the rabies information. He was just what I needed. Luckily the dog was vaccinated and the owner ended up paying my medical bills. Animal control is a hard job. I wanted to let you know that I really appreciated the help from Mr. McCullough.”

  Selectmen appreciated the positive feedback from an out-of-town resident.

  Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini recommended that selectmen ask Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree to refer the letter to McCullough’s personnel file and that he be recognized “for doing a continued great job.”  Selectmen voted unanimously in support of Cicolini’s motion.

  Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Debra Panetta noted that people will complain if something goes wrong, but added, “It takes a lot for somebody to write a letter” praising somebody’s actions.

  “Keep up the good work, Darren,” Cogliano said.

Want to serve on the Finance Committee?

  The Saugus Town Moderator is seeking citizens interested in serving on the Town Finance Committee. The Finance Committee is responsible for reviewing all financial articles coming before Town Meeting and making recommendations to the elected officials. Interested individuals can send an email to precinct4steve@gmail.com or a letter of interest to the Town Clerk’s Office at 298 Central St., Saugus, MA 01906, attention: Town Moderator. Letters or emails should be submitted by June 24 for consideration.

Surfing into Summer: Sat, June 18

  Surf into summer with a free, beach-themed community event that includes crafts, games, snacks and raffles for kids and families. Invite family and friends! Saturday, June 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. Hosted by Cliftondale Congregational Church (50 Essex St. in Saugus). Visit cliftondalecc.org or call 781-233-2663 for more information.

Food pantry seeks volunteers

  Here’s a message from Pastor Joe Hoyle of the Cliftondale Congregational Church about a collaborative community commitment to help needy Saugus residents:

  “The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is a partnership between the churches in Saugus to ensure that no one in our community faces food insecurity.

  “With faithful donations and volunteers, we have been able to give out thousands of meals to our neighbors in need throughout the years. The Food Pantry is open every Friday from 9:30am-11am, distributing pre-packaged groceries (including meat and produce) at 50 Essex St.

  “We are always in need of volunteers. If you would like to volunteer or donate, please contact Pastor Joe Hoyle, Executive Director at office@clindalecc.org or 781-233-2663.”

“We’re in good shape”

  There have been some recent reports from some of our readers who said they heard the Food Pantry is in danger of closing because there’s not enough volunteer help. Given the number of local residents who count on the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry to put food on the table, that would be an alarming story if it’s accurate.

  We shared the reader concerns with Pastor Joe Hoyle of the Cliftondale Congregational Church. “We are actually doing fine as far as volunteers and there is no danger in us closing,” Pastor Joe wrote in an email to The Saugus Advocate this week. “A few months back we ended pandemic deliveries to people’s residences, which may have spurred those rumors. As any organization, we can always use some extra hands but we are in good shape by our current volunteers and the donations of the community.”

Compost site now open

  The community’s compost site will be open to residents on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The site is located behind the Department of Public Works at 515 Main St.

  Stickers are required to gain seasonal access to the site. Stickers may be purchased for $25.00 at the Department of Public Works (DPW) located at the Compost Site when making your visit to the Compost Site. The Town of Saugus accepts checks only for payment of the $25.00. No cash will be accepted. Kindly bring a check when visiting. Thank you!

  Compost site stickers must be permanently placed on the lower left corner of residents’ automobile windshields. Vehicles registered out of state are not permitted.

  Yard waste must be disposed of in brown compost bags or open containers. The Town will accept grass clippings, leaves and brush. As in years past, no branches or limbs larger than three inches in diameter are permitted.

  We ask all residents to please wear a mask and maintain and respect social distancing from others while visiting the site. Residents may call Lorna Cerbone at the Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 781-231-4036 with questions or for more information.

Concerts for vets

  Rockin 4 Vets presents “Homegrown Rock Concerts” and “Throw Back Thursdays” for New England Vets this summer at the Kowloon Restaurant’s outdoor venue on Route 1 North in Saugus. For tickets and prices, go to Tickets@GIMMELIVE.COM.

  Home Grown Rock Lineup: Doors open at 3 p.m. – Concert at 4 p.m.

  JUNE: June 19–Roomful of Blues; June 26–Entrain.

  JULY: July 10–Fat City; July 17–Victor Wainwright and the Train; Johnny A; July 31–Anthony Gomes.

  AUGUST: August 7–Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters; August 14–Rockin the House! Deric Dyer; August 21–James Montgomery–Christine Ohlman; August 28–Veronica Lewis.

  Tribute Bands – Doors open at 6 p.m. – Concert at 7 p.m.

  JUNE: June 23–Barefoot Rebel–Skynyrd; June 30–Mystical Highway–Creedence Clearwater.

  JULY: July 7–Go Your Own Way–Fleetwood Mac; July 14–Cold Spring Harbor–Billy Joel; July 21–Shot of Poison–Poison; July 28–Aerosmith.

  AUGUST: August 4–Chicago; August 11–What A Fool Believes–Doobie Brothers; August 18–Another Tequila Sunrise–Eagles; August 25–Panorama–The Cars.

  SEPTEMBER: September 1–Being Petty–Tom Petty; September 8–Studio Two–The Beatles; September 15–Completely Unleashed–Van Halen.

  If you would like to attend a show, please call Lauren at 617-247-4112. Band photos are available upon request.

Buy a brick to honor a Saugus veteran

  The Saugus War Monument Committee once again is sponsoring the Buy A Brick Program to honor all those who have served their country. If you would like to purchase one in the name of someone who is presently serving or has served, in the memory of a loved one, or just for someone from your family, school, etc., the general pricing is $100 for a 4″ X 8″ brick (three lines) and $200 for 8″ X 8″ brick (five lines). Each line is a maximum of 15 characters. The improvement and upkeep of the monument on the corner of Winter and Central Streets rely on the generosity of donors through fundraising.

  The brick application must be in by Sept. 15 to ensure the bricks will be ready for Veterans Day. Please contact Corinne Riley at 781-231-7995 for more information and applications.

SHS Class of ’62 plans 60th reunion

  Leaders of the Saugus High School Class of 1962 would like you to “SAVE THE DATE.” Their 60th Class Reunion will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Prince Pizzeria in Saugus. They are reaching out to contact fellow classmates as well as other alumni who would like to join them.

  The well-known 50’s and 60’s music group of Howie Conley will be there for musical enjoyment. Those of you who have heard them know what a performance they put on. There will be pizza and salad combinations plus soft drinks. The price includes all you can eat, tax and gratuities – plus Howie Conley’s group – and is $29 per person. There is a bar available for wine, beer and mixed drinks.

  There is no need to purchase tickets at this time. Please let one of the following people know of your interest either by a phone call or a text message so that you can be easily reached when the time draws near. No commitment is necessary. They are just exploring the number of interested classmates.

• Donna “Cann” Olivera – 781-987-4308
• Jonni “Giantonio” Matrona – 781-439-4200
• Janice “Cristiano” Pomeroy – 617-512-2097
• Larry Seavers – 704-906-2606

Looking for book donations

  The New Friends of the Saugus Public Library are asking for donations of gently used adult hardcover and softcover fiction for the ongoing book sale in the Community Room. They would also appreciate donations of gently used children’s books.

  Please limit donations at this time to only fiction and children’s books; they do not have storage space for other genres or media. Please…clean and newer books only – no tattered pages, bad odors, stains or dirty covers!

  Books may be dropped off at the Main Circulation Desk during business hours. Please do not place donations in the outdoor book drops.

Want to be a Knight?

  The Knights of Columbus is looking for new members to join. If you are interested in becoming a member of this local organization, please call 781-233-9858.

Veterans invited to July 4 parade in Wakefield

  The Town of Wakefield will be celebrating the 100th anniversary year of its 4th of July parade and activities. This will be their 74th physical parade. Parade organizers are inviting all veterans to participate in this historic event. There will be an air-conditioned trolley they can ride on along the parade route. There will be a viewing stand near the end of the parade route with a limited number of seats available to veteran spouses and family, to watch them. There are usually between 60,000 and 80,000 people watching the parade each year.

  There is also the option to walk the route, though it can still be pretty hot sometimes at 5 p.m. (when the parade starts) in July!

  Anyone interested should contact Maureen Buckley, Veterans Coordinator, Wakefield Independence Day Parade Committee, at maureen.buckley@julyparade.org or by calling 781-572-2068.

Let’s hear it!

  Got an idea, passing thought or gripe you would like to share with The Saugus Advocate? I’m always interested in your feedback. It’s been six years since I began work at The Saugus Advocate. I’m always interested in hearing readers’ suggestions for possible stories or good candidates for “The Advocate Asks” interview of the week. Feel free to email me at mvoge@comcast.net.

  Do you have some interesting views on an issue that you want to express to the community? Submit your idea. If I like it, we can meet for a 15- to 20-minute interview over a hot drink at a local coffee shop. And I’ll buy the coffee or tea. Or, if you prefer to continue practicing social distancing and be interviewed from the safety of your home on the phone or via email, I will provide that option to you as the nation recovers from the Coronavirus crisis.

  If it’s a nice day, my preferred site for a coffee and interview would be the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works.

 

CONTEST SKETCH OF THE WEEK

 

GUESS WHO GOT SKETCHED! If you know the right answer, you might win the contest. In this week’s edition, we continue our weekly feature where a local artist sketches people, places and things in Saugus. Got an idea who was sketched this week? If you do, please email me at mvoge@comcast.net or leave a phone message at 978-683-7773. Anyone who between now and Tuesday at noon identifies the Saugonian sketched in this week’s paper qualifies to have their name put in a green Boston Red Sox hat with a chance to be selected as the winner of a $10 gift certificate, compliments of Dunkin’ in the Food Court at the Saugus Square One Mall. But you have to enter to win! Look for the winner and identification in next week’s “The Sounds of Saugus.” Please leave your mailing address in case you are a winner. (Courtesy illustration to The Saugus Advocate by a Saugonian who goes by the name of “The Sketch Artist”)